Following an opportunity for confessions in the Chapel of the North American Martyrs, Fr. John Brown, S.J. celebrated the Mass for Our Lady of Guadalupe before Fr. Reale’s reflection began.

Currently teaching Sacred Scripture to pre-freshmen, Fr. Reale was able to use his vast experience in the Jesuits to reflect on the human condition, waiting, and impatience.

“‘I just can’t wait!’ isn’t a reality for any of us,” explained Fr. Reale. “From the common bloke waiting for the train, to the Queen of England waiting for official business to start,” we all find ourselves looking at our wrist watches as we impatiently anticipate our next important time. But, the “times in between the times” is where God has an opportunity to work His grace. Advent is just such a time, Fr. Reale asserted. He encouraged attendees, through scripture and poetry, to let Advent become for us more than just some lesser form of Lent. Rather, it can be a faithful anticipation of a God who, Himself, entered time and patiently waited for the right time to reveal Himself as Lord.

Fr. Reale connected that incarnational patience with the love of the father in the story of the prodigal son, a father who waited for his son’s return and then impatiently ran out to greet him on the road to welcome him home.

The reflection was followed by light refreshments in St. Ignatius Hall, giving everyone an opportunity to connect with one another.

Galleries

Evening of Advent Reflection, Dec. 12, 2018

Fr. John Brown, S.J., raises the Eucharist.

1983 classmates make the sign of peace.

Fr. Brown and Fr. Kevin Dyer, S.J. distribute Communion.

Fr. Brown introduces ...

...Fr. Frank Reale, who teaches Theology and serves as the president's assistant for mission and planning.

Fr. Reale begins his reflection entitled, "Why Wait?".

Guests listen to the reflection.

Fr. Reale continues his reflection.

When Fr. Brown asks, "How many of you are non-alumni parents?" hands are raised throughout the chapel, showing how the event has expanded to the wider Jesuit community.

Attendees move to St. Ignatius Hall for brownies and light refreshments.

The mission of Jesuit High School as a Catholic, college preparatory school is to develop in its students the competence, conscience, and compassion that will enable them to be men of faith and men for others.

Jesuit High School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its employment, admissions, educational, or athletic policies.